CPVC on Condensate Pump Drain

[Kenny Rigler]

Hey Folks-

Hopefully I haven't used up my question quota for the week...but I wanted to ask on this one as well. Usually on condensate pumps I always see the flexible plastic tubing. On this one they did connect flexible tubing directly but then quickly changed over to CPVC, even on the uphill climb. Is that something to be concerned about?

Thanks.

Kenny

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

I don't see why it would be a problem. I always include a note telling them a mechanical pump was in use, that they fail, and should be frequently monitored.

[Kenny Rigler]

I didn't get the manufacturer on this one but looked up the installation instructions on a standard condensate pump and it said:

"The outlet piping should be flexible tubing secured with a hose
clamp (not provided) or pipe (3/8 inch I.D. maximum to prevent
excessive flow back to unit)."

I would interpret the "or pipe" to include CPVC but wanted to double-check with you all. Thanks.

Kenny

[Larry D. Kage]

Was it larger than 3/8"?

[Kenny Rigler]

Originally Posted by lkage

Was it larger than 3/8"?

Yep, I just found a pic that confirms it's 1/2" pipe. Is that enough information to call it out? Or do I need to determine the exact manufacturer of the pump and check it's installation instructions to see what it requires?

Kenny

[Wayne B. Wilson]

IMO it will not work, I would Write it up .No back check so it will run back

[Bob Elliott]

I would write up that bad chimney too.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

If the unit has been there for a while and you saw no evidence of overflow, I'd just learn from this thread and move on. I doubt you'll be sued over it. We'll all know better next time we see it.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Where was it located?

[Bob Elliott]

Hehe
Since no one asked yet ,check out the hood.

[Kenny Rigler]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Where was it located?

Hey Joe-

Furnace room is in the middle of the basement. Interestingly, they shot that thing up and then probably over a good 15' and then brought it down into the washer drain. Problem though..the 1/2" drain line takes up enough space in the washer drain that the washer hose doesn't fully fit in there.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

So if you don't call it out and if the unit fails in the basement, what type of damage would result?

[Kenny Rigler]

Originally Posted by belliott

I would write up that bad chimney too.

Bob - what the hey are you talking about? I didn't give you any pictures of the hood or chimney (but they were both bad!)

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by krigler

Problem though..the 1/2" drain line takes up enough space in the washer drain that the washer hose doesn't fully fit in there.

Looks like it fit to me. Not much room to spare, but it fit.

[Kenny Rigler]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

So if you don't call it out and if the unit fails in the basement, what type of damage would result?

I didn't see any open floor drains in the basement. Half the basement has recently been re-done...other half is crawlspace. I just sent out the report earlier today (client accesses online). I think I'll update the report and email the client on the change. I feel it's worth noting...even if I likely won't get sued over it. I'd rather not take the chance .